Malpas Makes Full Debut At Neath

Wales under-21 number 8, James Malpas, will make his full debut for Cardiff in Wednesday’s Premiership match against Neath at the Gnoll (7.00 pm).

The 20-year-old former St David’s College student has played for Wales at every age level and also the 2001 FIRA World Cup in Chile. He has previous senior experience with Cardiff as a replacement, most recently at Llanelli last month.

Malpas’ chance comes with Cardiff‘s injury crisis spreading to the back row. Rob Appleyard, Emyr Lewis, Jim Brownrigg and Dan Baugh are all unavailable while club captain Martyn Williams is on international duty. Lewis has a back injury that will keep him out for another fortnight and Baugh is in plaster with a hairline fracture of the ankle and could be sidelined for six weeks.

There is better news of Brownrigg, who suffered a neck injury against Connacht last September. Fears that he may miss the rest of the season are now discounted and he expects to play again next month.

Further good news is the return of tight-head prop, Ken Fourie, who has not played since the Celtic League semi-final at the Gnoll in January. Tim Payne switches to loose-head with Peter Rogers continuing at hooker.

In the backs Jamie Robinson plays his 100^th game for the club. He made his debut on his 19^th birthday – 7 April 1999 against Sale. A month later he scored four tries against Newcastle Falcons. His current try total for the club is 29.

Nick Robinson, outstanding for Wales under-21 this season, plays at fly-half alongside Ryan Powell. Craig Morgan continues in the number 15 shirt as he did in the corresponding match at the Arms Park ten days ago.

Anthony Sullivan (shoulder) and Matt Allen (knee) are both awaiting the results of scans on their injuries.

Head coach David Young said,

“There is no denying that our continuing injury list is stretching us to the limit but we soldier on. We are well-served by the development structure in the club on the back of three or four outstanding seasons at youth and under-21 level but our youngsters are having to grow up very fast. Neath at the Gnoll will be another major test for them but I am confident that we can build on the promising display we gave against Neath at the Arms Park.”

Cardiff: Craig Morgan; Nick Walne, Jamie Robinson, Pieter Muller, Dean Dewdney; Nick Robinson, Ryan Powell; Tim Payne, Peter Rogers, Ken Fourie, Heino Senekal, John Tait (captain), Dan McShane, James Malpas, Robin Sowden-Taylor

Replacements: John Yapp, Greg Woods, Adam Jones, Luke Tait, Iestyn Harris, Donavan van Vuuren, Elgan Jones